Helmet a pain for Roethlisberger

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with a swollen head, an issue that has troubled many NFL quarterbacks. Only this time, it's not the result of too many commercial endorsements, a big contract or too much fan praise.

When the Steelers quarterback resumed practicing this week, he realized his helmet didn't fit right. He sustained a concussion Dec. 28 against Cleveland, and spent last week getting over headaches associated with the hit.

“I had a little headache after putting the helmet on because it was so tight,” Roethlisberger said Wednesday. “But we'll deal with it and move on.”

After receiving a concussion during the 2006 season, Roethlisberger declined to switch to a newer style of helmet designed to better protect against concussions. He apparently has not switched helmets this time, either, preferring to stay with the model he has traditionally worn.

Roethlisberger has had three concussions in three years, one in the June 2006 motorcycle accident in which he was seriously injured while not wearing a helmet. He has not been spotted riding a motorcycle in public since.

Roethlisberger sat out the second half of the Cleveland game, but will return Sunday for the Steelers' AFC divisional game against San Diego.